NEW YORK (AP) — Once minor apps like Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp are now serving as Facebook's safety net for a future that might not be dominated by its flagship service.
Facebook reigns in social media today. But amid the company's seemingly endless troubles over elections meddling, misinformation, privacy lapses, hacking and hate speech, the idea that Facebook may not always be on top has begun to take hold.
Facebook is working hard to ensure that Messenger and later, WhatsApp, become viable businesses, too. On Tuesday, Facebook announced a redesign of its Messenger app with the stated goal of making it simpler to use. But the redesign also makes it clear that messages from businesses — and ads — are becoming an increasingly important part of the app.
